Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal canal. External hemorrhoids refer to enlarged veins beneath the surface of the anal skin. You can see and feel external hemorrhoid as the blood clot surrounds the surface of the anus. External hemorrhoids are not serious but are very painful. The most common causes of external hemorrhoids are prolonged sitting on the toilet, chronic constipation and straining during the bowel movements. All of these cause enlargement of the veins outside the surface of the anus, causing external hemorrhoids. They disturb the blood flow to and from that area resulting in swollen blood vessels. Constipation tightens the muscles of the anal canal that are smooth. This strain causes pain and bleeding during the bowel movement. The connective tissue that connects the anus muscles also weaken with age, thereby increasing the swelling outside the surface. When you pressurize the veins of the pelvic and rectal area, it can also lead to external hemorrhoids as the muscles tighten. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids There are four main symptoms of external hemorrhoids: The first and foremost is itching around the surface of the anus. This is because hemorrhoids cause swelling and irritation in the rectal area, and develop an urge to itch. But the symptom gets worse with itching as disturbing the swelling makes the anus grow further. There is constant pain around the anus. The external hemorrhoids result in affecting the anus and rectal areas. The pain is not severe but can get unbearable at times. Swelling of the anal skin causes lumps. These lumps are blood clots that cause swelling and pain. Lumps, when inflating with pus around the anus, make the symptoms worse. One another major symptom is bleeding while using the washroom. If you find thick blood stains on the stool, then you are probably suffering from external hemorrhoids that are mainly caused due to a weaker digestive track.

A hard day of work can leave most men and women extremely tired and drained of energy. Once they get some rest and a good night’s sleep, the exhaustion is gone, and the person is usually full of energy the next morning. But if the person feels tired no matter how long he or she sleeps or gets rest, and always feels fatigued, the person may be suffering from a deeper reason for the fatigue. Excessive tiredness, over a prolonged period of time, maybe a warning sign of chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue is medically also known as Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID). It is a kind of ailment, primarily characterized by excessive tiredness. The causes of chronic fatigue are not known to medical practitioners. This is because the symptoms of this sickness are very similar to those of any other ailment. However, there are a few causes of chronic fatigue that are easier to pinpoint and treat. They are: Psychological & physical stress Viral infection Weakened immune system Hormonal imbalances A genetic predisposition to fatigue Severe allergies Environmental factors A viral or bacterial infection is often one of the main causes of chronic fatigue. Medical practitioners note that chronic fatigue might be the last stage of an infection, and may also affect a patient who has had more serious infections in the past. So, the ailment may not be a direct condition of the body, but possibly a symptom of an infection. Similarly, people suffering from an infection may develop a weakened immune system due to sickness and hormonal changes. All these could be early triggers for the onset of chronic fatigue. Signs Of Chronic Fatigue Generally, people don’t worry much about feeling tired. Men and women will often consider it a trivial issue that doesn’t need any medical care or intervention.

Living with pets can be a pleasure. Their company helps you relax and enjoy life as they do, by living in the moment. However, there is always the possibility that you or someone in your family might have an allergic reaction to pets. Common pet allergies symptoms Pet allergies symptoms can affect the respiratory tract and manifest themselves in the form of common cold symptoms. You may also develop allergic reactions on the skin, which is also known as dermatitis if you come into contact with an animal. If you suffer from asthma, pet allergies could also aggravate the symptoms. Regular pet allergies symptoms Sneezing Nasal congestion Runny nose Itchy, watery eyes Facial pain due to congestion Coughing Dark patches under the eyes Dermatitis symptoms caused due to pet allergies Skin inflammation Itching Rashes or hives Pet allergies symptoms in asthma patients Disturbed sleep Chest tightness Breathing problems Wheezing Repeated inflammation of the nasal passage can create obstructions in the sinuses. This increases the chances for bacterial infections like sinusitis. Pet allergies can also be a serious threat to asthma patients. It can aggravate their problems to such an extent that it might need emergency medical attention. Confirm your allergy While a large number of people suffer from pet allergies, cat allergies are estimated to be twice as common as dog allergies. However, there are more pet cats than dogs in American households. If you feel you are allergic to dogs or cats but want to get a pet, you can try spending a day with a friend’s dog or cat. You can spend a day in the company of that animal to see how you react over a period of 24 hours. Get a medical test confirmation You can consult with an allergist who can help you make sure whether you have an allergy to a dog or cat.

Probiotics are the food supplements which are added to the diet for health benefits such as immunity, digestive functions, and growth. It is safe to include the dietary intake in proper doses. High dose of probiotics at times have a bad impact on health. The probiotics can be taken orally. Live microorganisms work effectively to boost human health; however, there are some side effects related to them. These side effects range from mild to severe. They can cause digestive complications such as bloating and gas in the stomach. In some cases, the usage of probiotics can cause infections that can be only treated using antibiotics. It can cause problems for people suffering from health complications and cause unusual metabolic responses. Although the probiotics are pretty good for the body, they may cause some rare side effects. These side effects are common among people with underlying medical complications. At times, the body responds badly to the good bacterial intake. Normally, the pH level in the colon must be between 6.7 and 6.9. The pH levels below 7.0 are said to be acidic, whereas pH levels more than 7.0 are said to be of basic nature. The colon must be acidic to combat the growth of pathogenic bacteria and promote the growth of good bacteria. Medications and other drugs make the colon environment alkaline. The consumption of the probiotic supplements makes the colon acidic. The change of the colon’s pH from acidic to alkaline causes a war between the good and bad bacteria. This tug of war causes bloating, abdominal pain, and complications in bowel movements. The side effects of probiotics don’t last for long. Discontinuation of the probiotic intake will help you get rid of the symptoms and prevent their worsening. Side effects of probiotics Stomach problems Stomach problems such as bloating, pain in the abdomen, and gas production are some of the side effects of probiotics.

The characteristic symptom of pneumonia is coughing. A cough happens because of infection in the lungs, due to bacteria, virus or fungus. The inflammation in the air sacs is filled with pus. The pus blocks the airway and leads to difficulty in breathing. Home treatments for pneumonia are essential for fast recovery. A cough, chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath are symptoms of pneumonia. The infection varies from person to person. It is best to get yourself checked if you have any of these symptoms. However, there are pneumonia cough treatments that will help you recover fast. If the symptoms are mild, it will clear up with home treatments itself. Here are a few ways by which you can reduce the discomfort caused by pneumonia. Garlic The infection is caused by bacteria, fungi, or virus. Garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties. It will help reduce the body temperature and eliminate the phlegm from your lungs and chest. You can add garlic to many dishes. It is sure to help you recover in no time. You can either consume it or apply crushed garlic on your chest. If you don’t prefer garlic, you can always have drink ginger tea. Cayenne Pepper Cayenne pepper has high amounts of capsaicin which helps in releasing the mucus from the respiratory passages. Cayenne pepper is one of the best pneumonia cough treatments. It also has beta-carotene that helps keep the mucus membranes in good condition. You can make a mixture of lemon juice and a small amount of cayenne pepper. It is a very effective blend that is sure to provide you relief when you drink it few times a day. You can also mix it with carrot juice. Fenugreek Seeds Fenugreek seeds are known to have mucolytic properties that will break the congestion.

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, means low blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. It usually occurs in people with diabetes. It can be a side effect of insulin or other types of diabetes medicines. Generally, the acceptable range of blood sugar is 70 to 100 mg/dL. In case of diabetic patients, 70 mg/dL or less indicates low blood sugar. However, diabetes medication is not the only cause of low blood sugar. Medications that don’t suit your body, or any exercise or diet, can lead to low sugar levels. Therefore, you mustn’t be careless about your sugar levels and should keep a thorough record to prevent its diminution below the permissible limit. Also, the brain needs glucose to function efficiently and low sugar can cause loss of energy for brain function, leading to poor attention and cognitive function. The brain senses the drop in sugar. This biochemical process then alerts the person that they need food or water—if neglected or left untreated, it can lead to coma or death. In worse case scenario, an injection of glucagon is given to the affected person as the person finds it difficult to eat anything in a normal manner. The glycogen immediately raises the sugar levels to relatively normal. There are many symptoms that can help you recognize low blood sugar levels (they differ from person to person). Symptoms of low blood sugar Anxiety: One of the symptoms of low blood sugar is anxiety. In anxiety or stress, the blood sugar consumption increases which cause an adrenaline rush. This, in turn, causes low blood sugar due to the fluctuations in the energy levels. Hunger: Mild hypoglycemia makes you feel hungry while high or severe hypoglycemia leads to unconsciousness. Food then breaks down into sugar that enables functioning of our body. The sudden hunger pangs are one of the major symptoms of low blood sugar.

Prostate impotence also termed as erectile dysfunction affects almost 30 million men. The impotence may result from a complete inability to achieve an erection, inconsistent ability to achieve an erection, or sustain a brief erection. The condition is brought about by physical problems mainly with respect to the blood supply to the penis. Advancement in medicine has opened up effective prostate impotence treatment options, which are safe and effective. Risk Factors As men age, they risk suffering from impotence. Other known risk factors for impotence include low testosterone levels, smoking, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol levels, and vascular diseases. Before we know about the prostate impotence treatment options, lets know about the causes of prostate impotence. Causes of Prostate Impotence A possible list of causes for erectile dysfunction include performance anxiety, depression, premature ejaculation, diabetes, venous leak, organic impotence, neurological causes ( like multiple sclerosis, spine and nerve injuries), Peyronie’s disease, drug-induced impotence, and hormone induced impotence. Treatment Options The line of treatment is drawn based on the age, general health, medical history of the patient, the extent of the disease, patient tolerance for specific medication, procedures, and therapies and the patient preference. Following are the specific treatment alternatives available for prostate impotence/erectile dysfunction. Medical Treatment Prescription drugs such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis have been administered to patients with prostate impotence as the first line of treatment. They are oral PDE5 inhibitors. The component like sildenafil citrate contained in Viagra is an oral drug that increases the response to sexual stimulation. Levitra which contains vardenafil citrate works quickly and improves sexual function in men across all age groups. It is particularly effective for men with diabetes and men who have undergone radical prostatectomy. Tadalafil citrate contained in Cialis is the one that stays in the body for the longest possible time.

Sleep is nature’s way of helping the body rest and recover after a day’s activity. Whether you lead an active or a sedentary lifestyle, your body and the various organs that keep you going have to perform their functions on a daily basis. When you sleep, most of the body’s internal as well as external organs either rest or slow down. It gives the various systems and the organs a chance to rest and get ready for a new day’s activity. If you do not get adequate sleep, it affects the entire system, and you feel tired and dysfunctional. Sleep Disorder Symptoms There are many types of sleep disorders, and their symptoms might differ. However, certain basic symptoms are common to all sleep disorders. These include: Experiencing difficulty in falling asleep at night. Tiredness after waking up. Feeling irritable and short-tempered. Feeling sleepy during the daytime or wanting to take naps. Falling asleep while performing an activity like driving. Forgetfulness. Lack of focus and concentration. Unusual behavior while asleep. Disturbed sleep, having nightmares, and night time fears. Sleepwalking. Slowed down reactions during waking hours. Feeling the need for stimulants like coffee to stay awake through the day. If you experience all or some of these symptoms, consult your doctor. They could be signs of a deeper problem. These could also lead to other problems. Different Sleep Disorders And Their Signs Based on sleep disorder symptoms, there are a number of sleeping problems, four of the most common are insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. You can also experience Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders under certain circumstances. Insomnia Insomnia is the most common of sleep disorders. One in two people suffers from occasional bouts of insomnia, while a large number of people are victims to chronic insomnia. Common insomnia symptoms are:

Ulcerative colitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the colon or the large intestine. This inflammation usually begins in the rectum, which is located towards the end of the large intestine, ending in the anus. It then spreads in the colon and causes multiple problems such as painful bowel movements, stomach ache, and severe diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis generally occurs in multiple phases. The time when the symptoms are active, it is called ulcerative colitis flares. The alternating periods in between these active periods are called ulcerative colitis remission. While the causes of ulcerative colitis are unknown, research shows evidence that infection caused by certain virus and bacteria can cause inflammation of the anus, which can spread to the rectum and the colon. Some of the known symptoms of ulcerative colitis are: · Dehydration · Painful bowel movement · Blood in stool · Pus drainage · Stomach ache · Fever · Skin irritation and rashes If you are suffering from these symptoms, you should pay a visit to a doctor. The doctor will run certain tests to be sure if you have ulcerative colitis. The most commonly prescribed tests to diagnose ulcerative colitis are: Endoscopy The doctor will prescribe an endoscopy such as colonoscopy or proctosigmoidoscopy to get an appraisal of the internal situation of the colon. Stool Test Stool samples are collected to check for any traces of blood in it, which is a classic symptom of ulcerative colitis. X-Rays, CT Scans, Or MRIs These tests are also prescribed to help your doctor decide if the disease has affected your bones and other parts of your body. Treatment Of Ulcerative Colitis Here is a list of some useful tips that you can follow while struggling with ulcerative colitis flares. Drink Plenty Of Water: Keeping yourself hydrated is very important during a ulcerative colitis flare.

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. It can be a life-threatening condition. Therefore, the case of a person affected by meningitis falls under medical emergencies. Causes of meningitis The swelling may be caused due to viral or bacterial infections. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections can also cause meningitis. You may catch the infection while sneezing or coughing or kissing. Commonly, acute viral and bacterial infections cause the inflammation of tissues. Fungal meningitis is rare; it causes chronic meningitis. The signs of meningitis vary from person to person, depending on his/her age and the cause of the infection. Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness and can be deadly. It spreads to the brain through nasal mucus and throat secretions. It can build up in over a few hours or several days. In infants, the most common causes are Group B strep, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Neisseria meningitides (meningococcus) are often the causes of meningitis in adolescents. If left untreated for long, many complications may arise. The possible complications might include the following: Loss of hearing Epilepsy Brain damage Renal failure Gait issues Shock Hydrocephalus or fluid buildup and brain swelling Myocarditis or inflammation of heart muscles (only if the infection reaches the heart) These complications can be life-threatening. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and is often less severe than bacterial meningitis. There is no report of serious long-term issues associated with viral meningitis. Affected people recover on their own (without any medical treatment). There is no specific treatment for antibiotics do not help treat viral meningitis. However, they are crucial in treating bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is a communicable disease. The meningitis symptoms in children include cold, diarrhea, fever, blisters, sore throat, and influenza.